Let There Be Love (Not Letdowns) in the Bedroom

Don’t let erectile dysfunction add pressure to your relationship; seek advice and get the most out of your treatment.

There is a huge amount of pressure on men to keep women on their toes and put some romance in the air. Flowers, chocolates, gifts and grand gestures are all expected. And, of course, romance wouldn't be the same without a little intimacy too. But if that final step is the source of all your worries, don’t worry you’re not alone.

According to the Sexual Advice Association, 2.3 million men in the UK suffering from erectile dysfunction but only about 10% actually receive treatment - an astonishing figure when one considers the effectiveness of the treatments available and the embarrassment felt by men that don't seek treatment.

Let's look a little closer at the issue of ED and the treatments available.

Erectile dysfunction treatments

The four most common treatments for erectile dysfunction are Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Spedra – all of which require a prescription. Doctors and pharmacists may recommend any one of these dependent on your age, health and specific requirements. But no matter the prescription they give, there are other important steps that you should take to ensure the treatment is most effective.

Precautions

Maintain a healthy diet – The functionality of our circulatory system is directly affected by what we eat. So even if your erectile dysfunction medication is permitted to be taken on an empty stomach, it may be more effective after eating a healthy and hearty meal. Similarly, if you take it after eating food that is high in fat (such as fried food) it may take longer to take effect. Eat well and you could see all the difference.

Take good care of your heart – Erectile dysfunction is closely linked with an individual’s blood circulation. To get the most out of your treatment, it’s crucial that you take care of your heart and blood vessels. You can do this by ensuring you exercise regularly and by avoiding smoking.

Plan and have patience – You’ll be met with disappointment if you expect instant results from any erectile dysfunction medication. You won’t get an erection immediately after taking a tablet. The time it takes to see the effects of the medication can differ per prescription and per individual. On average, Viagra takes about an hour, whereas Cialias needs half an hour to show any effects. It’s also important to remember that arousal is still required to achieve an erection. Medication is not there to replace sexual stimulation.

Drugs disclosure – If you are taking medication for any other health conditions, make sure you tell your doctor or pharmacist. The interaction of certain other medications could lessen the effects of your treatment, or it could lead to unwanted adverse effects. Make sure your doctor has all the facts.

In a very small amount of cases erectile dysfunction medication can lead to priapism – a painful erection that lasts for a period of more than four hours. When undertaking erectile dysfunction treatment, erections should disappear immediately after sex. If you experience priapism, seek medical attention straight away as prolonged erections can cause tissue damage and, in extreme cases, a permanent loss of potency.

The most important thing to remember is to only receive treatment from a doctor or pharmacist – with a prescription. Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition and should be treated as such, with the supervision of a medical professional.

Whilst there are a number of factors that can cause erectile dysfunction, there is indeed a connection between increased weight and ED.

This can be a result of two factors.

Firstly, Obesity can lead to reduced blood flow to vital organs within the body. The most common danger associated with obesity is cardiovascular disease and this occurs due excess deposits of cholesterol putting pressure on the walls of bloody blood vessels, which in turn will restrict the flow of blood to your vital organs. This series of events can affect blood flow to the penis, resulting in ED.

Secondly, there is a strong link between obesity and lowered levels of testosterone. Testosterone is imperative for optimal sexual function in males.

Making a commitment to losing weight can be excellent way to improve sexual function, and can also help to play a positive psychological role in overcoming erectile dysfunction. By creating small, achievable goals for yourself, such as reducing your calorific intake by a certain number of calories, can yield positive results and provide you with a good platform for cutting weight healthily and safely. As ever, we would advise you to consult your physician, or doctor before embarking on any significant weight loss programs.

If you would like some more advice on the above matters,please don't hesitate to contact us on the phone - 0208 123 0703 or by e-mail - help@expresspharmacy.co.uk